Evanston Woman Magazine

amy morton

the real deal

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FROM THE EDITOR

VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 6

CONTENTS

amy morton the real deal

7

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vanston is the fabric of small businesses located throughout Central, Downtown, and the Main-Dempster Mile. For many women owned businesses their first career was their family, second their business.

Women today are balancing family and work, limiting their accessibility to education and resources. While understanding the diversity of women business owners here in Evanston, research shows that women owned/led businesses tend to stay smaller than those owned by men. Our focus with small businesses is to support their business toolbox by highlighting and featuring, grant free advertising, education, promoting, and empowering each of the business owners during their season of entrepreneurship.

Amy Morton, an Evanston Woman 2016 Brilliant Business Woman is an example of setting the bar in supporting start up and small businesses, as I have seen her take the time to exchange ideas and partner with them because she’s dedicated to Evanston. Morton, Restauranteur shares her family legacy and passion in designing and developing two of my favorite venues in town, The Barn and Found Kitchen/Social House.

I am asking each of you to please shop, eat, and play local because together we keep Evanston strong!

Cheers!

Linda Del Bosque | Editor in chief

FEATURES

Editor-in-chief Linda Del Bosque Graphic Designer Maribel Lopez

Advertising Office 847-722-5654 Editor Christine Wolf

evanstonwoman.org | facebook.com/evanstonwoman Copyright © Evanston Woman Magazine, all rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Evanston Woman Magazine.

PHOTO BY ANNETTE PATKO

5 Evanston’s Revitalized Chamber of Commerce 9 An Evanston Warrior Woman: Nykia Threlkeld 10 The Wedding Book: Tribute to Rachel Avail, Owner & Dress Dress Designer of Avail & Company 11 See Jane Sparkle Bridal Line

What Truly Makes a Home...

HOUSE + LOVE = HOME

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with Coldwell Banker of Evanston

oving pets come natural to many of us, especially to the hearts at Coldwell Banker Evanston. The office of Coldwell Banker Evanston feels like home to one special Evanston resident, associate and event organizer, Derbhile Fabie. “When my manager, Chris Stephens suggested a “Dog Adoption Day” I was thrilled to organize the event to help our clients, friends, and neighbors find an adoring pooch looking for their forever home.” When Fabie moved from Ireland 6 years ago with her husband, [Evanstonian] and their two Irish rescue dogs she had no idea what was in store, but she knew life would be very different in the big city. “I have been fortunate enough to find myself now working in a most positive loving office environment.“ Fabie says.

Coldwell Banker Evanston will team up with the Evanston Animal Shelter on June 3, 2017 to bring smiles to children, families, and creating more love in a home. The Evanston Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is committed to providing compassionate and humane care for Evanston’s abandoned, abused and relinquished animals and to find them homes through rehabilitation, foster care, adoption, and rescue organizations. They aim to further serve the community as a proactive resource for education, counseling and support.

Please join Evanston Woman and Coldwell Banker Evanston June 3, 10am – 12pm at 1710 Central Street, Evanston and adopt a new family member!

evans to nwo man.o rg

At Coldwell Banker Evanston, We believe that sometimes event the smallest things can fill your four walls and roof with a lifetime of love.

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Evanston’s Revitalized Chamber of Commerce Freshening Up Community Festivities, Fostering Dynamic Business Connections

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BY CHRISTINE WOLF The Fountain Square Art Festival will emerge rebranded this summer as the “Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest” (June 24-25), but that’s not the only news coming from Evanston’s Chamber of Commerce.

The revitalized Chamber’s leadership intends to reconnect members old and new with resources and educational platforms to ignite continuous synergy for sustainable growth.

The nimble organization plans to tap relevant guest speakers, coordinate meaningful networking, conduct targeted surveys and connect growth partners, all while helping business owners stay current with events -- ultimately allowing them to engage at various levels to showcase their unique business attributes.

According to Executive Director Linda Larkin, “The Evanston Chamber of Commerce is on the move, actively putting the word ‘commerce’ at the forefront of all that we do.”

Continuing with its popular monthly networking events and signature community gatherings, “We’re also adding personal connections between members, in the form of referrals, directly from the Chamber office,” says Larkin. “These will solidify meaningful connections among members, the City, the Evanston neighborhood business organizations and not-for-profits.”

“As a board member, I’ve focused my attention on supporting the rejuvenation of the Chamber of Commerce,” says Monique B. Jones, LCSW, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Evanston Community Foundation.

“Having seen firsthand the intentions of our new Executive Director – her responsiveness and creativity when applied to the needs of our business community – I know together we can work better for the good of the entire community.”

“We welcome our small business members to communicate the issues they’re having trouble overcoming in their day-to- day business activities,” says incoming President Jim Schermerhorn.

“Oftentimes, similar issues are shared by other Chamber members. Our open networking forums are used to communicate and resolve these issues. We work to connect members on a more personal level, encouraging problem-solving discussions.”

“I am happy to now have the opportunity to give back to the organization by volunteering as a board member,” says small business owner Angela Valavanis of Creative Coworking.

“Joining the Evanston Chamber of Commerce was one of the first things I did after opening my business on Davis Street six years ago,” Valavanis says.

“It has made all the difference.”

E VA N S TO N W O M A N . O R G 5

WELLNESS

3 Reasons to Why Coconut Oil Is the Perfect Summer Product

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our next favorite beauty product for virtually all of your needs actually comes from your kitchen. Don’t believe us? Coconut oil has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until recently that this special substance has made waves as the next great product, both in the kitchen and for your beauty needs.

There are few beauty products that have a range of uses, but coconut oil breaks that mold. Not only is coconut oil a healthy fat you can use in place of butter (think: as spread on toast, a replacement for cooking oil or butter, or even in your favorite desserts). When it comes to what coconut oil does for your skin, hair and health there really is no better product out there. The perk? It’s completely natural. Here’s are a few uses for coconut oil that will have you sprinting to your local grocery store in no time. (Tip: Get raw/organic virgin coconut oil) 1 BODY LOTION Either mix coconut oil in your favorite lotion to cure dryness immediately, or rub plain coconut oil from the jar on your body to replenish moisture. Coconut oil has natural SPF 4, and you’ll love the smell of your skin all day.

The oil also acts as a great cuticle oil AND lip balm. No, seriously, it fixes everything. When heated coconut oil melts into liquid oil, but at room temperature it’s semi-solid. Put some coconut oil in a small jar and carry it with you throughout the day if you need a remedy for dry spots or chapped lips.

2 DEEP CONDITIONER Concoct your own DIY hair mask/ deep conditioner by mixing coconut oil, eggs and avocado and add the mixture to your hair before showering. If you don’t want to face the mess, heat up a few tablespoons of coconut oil and add to your hair before showering. Leave it in your hair for about 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning. This at-home beauty treatment will recreate the feeling of being at a spa.

3 SHINE SERUM Adding a little bit (emphasis on a little) to the ends of your hair or near your roots for a little bit of shine. Skip spending money on expensive shine oils or serums for your hair when you have coconut oil. The oil can also help tame any flyaways that are bothering you.

6 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . O R G

amy morton

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An innovative veteran of Chicago’s restaurant scene, Proprietor Amy Morton looks to her current, critically acclaimed Evanston, IL concepts—Found Kitchen and Social House, serving farm-to- table flexitarian shared plates, and The Barn, of similar energy and a meat-centric focus— to define a chef- driven, top-level approach to food and service. A life spent in the industry empowers her with an inherent sense for hospitality and design, which plays out across her restaurants in a way that welcomes guests and emulates a sense of belonging with dining rooms that feel more like homes than eateries.

Hospitality comes easily to Morton, who grew up in the industry working alongside her father, legendary restaurateur Arnie Morton of Morton’s Steakhouses. Amy Morton learned every aspect of the business from top to bottom while garnering an old school hospitality outlook that informs her timeless ability to work a room like the attentive, beaming hosts of yester-year.

Morton opened her first restaurant, The Café, with her brother Michael Morton (of Nine Steakhouse and La Cave) in 1988 in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. She went on to open her best-known endeavors, Mirador and The Blue Room, in the Old Town neighborhood soon after in 1989.

PROPRIETOR OF FLEXITARIAN, SHARED PLATES-FOCUSED FOUND & ‘MEAT-CENTRIC HIDEAWAY’ THE BARN

Presently, Morton is the mastermind behind critically-acclaimed Evanston restaurants, Found Kitchen and Social House and The Barn. Found serves Food & Wine’s “The People’s Best New Chef”-nominated Chef Nicole Pederson’s flexitarian, new American shared plates that change with the market and season.

The restaurant will celebrate its fifth anniversary this November. The Barn – which opened November 2016 – is a ‘meat-centric hideaway’ with a menu that draws from Chef Pederson’s classical French training, brasseries and butcher shops: a modern meaterie with a menu featuring simple refined options, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves and boasting several dishes with table-side service.

Combining a dedication to hospitality with a knack for design, Amy has transformed a childhood dream to a career spanning nearly three decades. At Found and The Barn, Morton oversees all day-to- day operations. Her personal mission is to make a difference in her community and to leave the planet a place that the next generation can not only flourish in, but also be proud of. An active member of organizations including Les Dames d’Escoffier, Female Chefs & Restaurateurs, Connections for the Homeless, and Y.O.U., Morton extends her community support well beyond Found and The Barn. She resides in Evanston with her husband, attorney Neal H. Levin, and their three daughters, Ruby, Abra, and Taluhla Rose.

E VA N S TO N W O M A N . O R G 7

AN EVANSTON WARRIOR WOMAN

NYKIA THRELKELD

BY JEAN-MARIE FREISE

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ry and imagine a scenario where you are in the prime of your life; you exercise, you eat right, you’re happy and thriving, and then something utterly devastating knocks you down from out of nowhere. Nykia Threlkeld; a model, actress, care taker, daughter, sister and friend of many has been hit with the sudden diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). MG is an autoimmune disease that prevents the brain from communicating with the body’s muscles and can manifest itself in such a way that is completely debilitating. This diagnosis landed Nykia in Evanston Hospital where she spent nearly 6 weeks in the ICU literally, in a battle to save her life. Nykia remains hospitalized as she works toward rehabilitation.

How does a vigorous, active healthy woman like Nykia develop MG? According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, “MG is the most common neuromuscular disorder and its prevalence in the United States is estimated at 14 to 20 per 100,000 but remains under diagnosed.” What was once a relatively obscure autoimmune disease is now becoming more in the main-stream of medical recognition and garnering broader awareness.

Nykia, a 44 year old Evanston native can only be described as someone who epitomizes independence and

self-reliance. This incredible and beloved Evanston woman, is now facing her most grueling and challenging battle as she fights through her personal crusade to overcome this medical crisis that has temporarily robbed her of her treasured independence. This feisty, strong-willed woman has been challenged to a degree that many of us will never know, but don’t expect her to give up. She faces a long road of rehabilitation and if anyone can beat this, it’s Nykia. Please know this, Nykia is not alone.

She has the support of her devoted, loving mom, Pam, who has been at her side day in and day out, acting as Nykia’s advocate and making sure that she is getting the BEST treatment she deserves. Nykia also has a base of friends who have been following her recovery, cheering on the sidelines and making sure she knows that she is loved. You can help too. A fund for Nykia has been set up so that she can focus on getting better and to relieve her of some of the financial strain that this has brought with it.

You can learn more about MG by visiting the MG Foundation of America’s website and please visit the Go Fund Me page set up for Nykia at https://www.gofundme. com/crisisfundfornykia where you can make a direct contribution.

E VA N S TO N W O M A N . O R G 9

The Wedding Book a Tribute to Designer Rachel Alvia | Avail & Company

1 0 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . O R G

Capturing the Individuality, Beauty, and Spirit at See Jane Sparkle

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ee Jane Sparkle creates Bridal jewelry that captures the individuality, beauty, and spirit of the Bride and her Bridesmaids. Every Bride is looking for the experience of a lifetime on her special day. At See Jane Sparkle they meet with Brides to share their vision and create the perfect design for all of their Bridal jewelry needs. In collaborative visioning sessions, See Jane Sparkle chooses colors, styles, and thematic inspirations. In addition to designing jewelry for weddings, See Jane Sparkle also offers unique Bachelorette parties in which the Bridal party sips bubbly, enjoys nibbles on hors d’oeuvres, and creates distinctive earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. The perfect start to your GNO! WHAT TO EXPECT? See Jane Sparkle starts with providing a private Sparkle Lab appointment the Bride to meet with Sara Jane Abbott, Owner and Designer to begin the creative juices flowing while popping open some bubbly.

Next See Jane Sparkle designs prototypes then finalize the beads and stones for the perfect Bridal collection including custom statement necklace, bracelet, and earrings for the Bride and elegant chains, bracelet, rings, and sparkle earrings for the Bridesmaids. See Jane Sparkle also designs coordinating hair accessories so you are covered for all your fashion needs.

After the designing is complete they wrap the individual items into gift bags to be presented at the rehearsal dinner or you can host a beads and bubbly Bachelorette party for the girls to pre-party before heading out on the town.

See Jane Sparkle 1312 Chicago Ave Evanston, IL 60201 847.859.6017

Evanston Woman scouted the

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Ultimate Wedding Celebration Venues!

hoosing the right ceremony and reception location is first on your to-do-list! Evanston has many fabulous venues, beginning with The Crystal Ballroom, located in the heart of Evanston. With over 6,000 sq. ft. in event space, The Crystal Ballroom’s stunning vintage modern space perfectly complements the beautiful landscape of the North Shore. Recent renovations preserved the elegant details from the venue’s original glory in the roaring 1920’s but added all the modern convenience and style that today’s couples expect. Enjoy one on one attention from their expert team of professionals who provide personalized service and exceptional attention to details. Don’t take any chances when choosing the venue that will set the scene for the most memorable day of your life!

Classic etiquette in planning a wedding includes choosing the right venue for the wedding reception, pre-wedding parties, bridal showers, and day after luncheons. Evanston is the Mecca for great restaurants and boutiques between Chicago and the North Shore.

Five & Dime located on 1026 Davis Street has one of the best outdoor rooftop deck’s reflecting the hip sensibilities of

an urban terrace while maintaining the casual comforts to a vacation style oasis environment. Between the scene and menu, Five & Dime hits the spot for the trendiest dinning for any wedding party group and size for pre-wedding parties, bridal showers, and day after luncheons.

Celebrating with your leading ladies has never felt more awesome when you’re celebrating at Found Kitchen & Social House. With shared plates, local brewery, sophisticated drink menu, and quaint deco, this chic venue creates an intimate affair in a boutique setting. Private dinning is available for the perfect bridal shower, engagement party with The Abra, a reception style event.

Looking for a taste of Jamaica? Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Catering provides an extensive menu offering island specialties with choices suitable for everyone’s taste buds...

From appetizers to dinners, to tempting island fruit smoothies & fresh squeezed vegetable juices. With authentic flavors of the Caribbean, tropical drinks and a Caribbean atmosphere. Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Catering is a fun and vibrant venue for pre-wedding parties, bridal showers, graduation parties and group outings. Come join us for a unique dining experience or catering. goodtogorestarant.com

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